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Bourdain, Spade and Depression

There’s
no arguing that 2018 has been a year of trends – from the everpresent
rise of Beyonce in the form of Beychella, LGBT representation in
films, characters and tv shows occupying space across all of
mainstream media and the unavoidable “In My Feelings” challenge.
However, much like its preceding years, 2018 has also taken the lives
of a number of high-profile celebrities, namely Kate Spade,
Anthony Bourdain and Avicii.

Spade,
a fashion designer, became renowned for the Kate Spade handbag which
was the centerpiece of many a woman’s closet through the 90s till
today. Bourdain, a travel documentarian, journalist and chef, won the
world over with his CNN award-winning show, Parts
Unknown in the later years of his
life. And who could forget when Swedish house DJ, Avicii rose to fame
with his Etta James sampled hit “Levels” in 2011 and continued
releasing hits with artists such as Wyclef Jean, Rita Ora and Aloe
Blacc. What do Anthony Bourdain, Avicii and Kate Spade have in
common? They were conduits of happiness to those on the receiving end
of their talents.

What
else makes these three unique talents similar? They all suffered at
the hand of depression and ended their own lives as a result.

As
sad as it may be for the world to lose such talented people – a world
famous chef, designer and DJ are but an infinite fraction of the
number of people who lose their lives to suicide everyday. According
to a 2016 study, 23 South Africans lose their lives to suicide on a
daily basis. As much as it is known it needs to be pointed out that
depression cannot be removed from suicide. It should also be
mentioned that while women are more likely to be diagnosed with
depression than men, men are more likely to commit suicide than
women. Depression statistics among South African men have increased
in recent years and it is time for men to find strength in
vulnerability and in seeking help from friends, loved ones and
professionals.

If there is one lesson from the live of these three celebrities it is that depressed people might not always look depressed and as a result we should be trying our very best to check up on those around us (as well as ourselves) so as not to fall into, or deeper into, depressive thinking.

If
you or anyone you know might be struggling with depression and
anxiety, you can contact the South African Depression and Anxiety
Group (SADAG):

Author: Charli Kasumba

Hailing from the desert sands of Namibia, Charli is an old soul who prides himself in his vinyl collection and unofficial (and imaginary) musicology degree. This 4th Year Financial Management student has a keen interest in all things political, critical and pop culture related. He believes that pop culture is a reflection of the times and a great pathway for engaging in important discussions.